Whether biking along the Green Bay Trail or strolling down Central Avenue, Highland Park residents can appreciate the vibrancy that public sculpture adds to our lives. Since the 1920’s, Highland Park has been developing an art collection that is diverse in artistic themes, materials, and sensibilities. The public art collection speaks to a core community value, which recognizes that engaging in art enhances the human spirit and quality of life for the residents of Highland Park. The City’s collection has grown to include more than 30 outdoor works of art.
For many years, the City Council has budgeted funds to maintain and expand the collection, and these funds are carefully managed by the commissioners of the Cultural Arts Commission. Presently, the City is the sole financial supporter of public art funding in Highland Park. Typically, the cost of acquiring and siting a new public sculpture exceeds $50,000. Restoring a work of outdoor art is very costly, as well.
In 2009, as part of an effort to continue Highland Park’s rich tradition of supporting a public art program for the benefit of the entire community, the City Council established a Public Art Fund to broaden its base of financial support through tax-deductible contributions from public and private sources.
The purpose of the Public Art Fund is three-fold:
- To acquire and site new works of art for the City’s collection;
- To maintain and conserve the existing collection; and
- To educate the public about the collection.
Potential sources of funding include, but are not limited to:
- Private contributions (to be used for the acquisition of art, restoration, or as specifically directed by the donor);
- Grants from public and private sources; and
- Contributions from developers seeking to meet a public benefit requirement as part of local development project approval.
In order to responsibly grow and care for the City’s existing collection, we are asking you to consider making a tax-deductible contribution at any of the following levels:
Supporter Level: Contributions up to $999.
Contributions will be acknowledged in City of Highland Park publications including The Highlander newsletter and on the City website.
Leadership Level: Contributions from $1,000 to $4,999.
Contributions will be acknowledged in City of Highland Park publications including The Highlander newsletter and on the City website and on a plaque to be located in City Hall.
Benefactor Level: Contributions of $5,000 or more.
Contributions will be acknowledged in City of Highland Park publications including The Highlander newsletter and on the City website, on a plaque to be located in City Hall, and on a plaque to be situated by the work of art funded with that contribution.
Please consider making a contribution to the Public Art Fund today to demonstrate your commitment to the arts in our community. Feel free to call or e-mail Amanda Civitello, Staff Liaison to the Cultural Arts Advisory Group at 847.926.1043 or acivitello@cityhpil.com if you have any questions or need any additional information.
